Seatback comfort carrier

ABSTRACT

A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback. A back panel includes a front closeout panel. A carrier supports the seatback and includes an upper thoracic region having a peripheral support. A peripheral gap is defined between the front closeout panel and the upper thoracic region. A bottom portion of the upper thoracic region includes a lower wall having a sinusoidal configuration. A lower lumber region includes a peripheral support. A peripheral gap is defined between the front closeout panel and the lower lumber region. An upper portion of the lower lumbar region includes an upper wall having a sinusoidal configuration. A plurality of concave connectors couple the lower wall of the upper thoracic region with the upper wall of the lower lumber region.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority toco-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/178,258, filed on Jun. 9, 2016,entitled “SEATBACK COMFORT CARRIER,” the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle seating assembly,and more particularly to a seatback comfort carrier for a vehicleseating assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Vehicle seating assemblies typically include a seatback to support aback of an occupant in an upright sitting position and various reclinedpositions. Similar to other portions of a vehicle seating assembly,seatbacks are commonly designed to support an occupant in the uprightsitting position upon acceleration, change in direction, and collisionof the vehicle. Accordingly, seatbacks are substantially rigid andsizeable in construction.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seatingassembly includes a seatback. A back panel includes a front closeoutpanel. A carrier supports the seatback and includes an upper thoracicregion having a peripheral support. A peripheral gap is defined betweenthe front closeout panel and the upper thoracic region. A bottom portionof the upper thoracic region includes a lower wall having a sinusoidalconfiguration. A lower lumber region includes a peripheral support. Aperipheral gap is defined between the front closeout panel and the lowerlumber region. An upper portion of the lower lumbar region includes anupper wall having a sinusoidal configuration. A plurality of concaveconnectors couple the lower wall of the upper thoracic region with theupper wall of the lower lumber region.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seatingassembly includes a back panel having a front closeout panel. A carriersupports a seatback and includes a thoracic region defining a peripheralgap between the front closeout panel and the thoracic region. A lowerwall of the thoracic region includes a sinusoidal configuration. Alumbar region defines a peripheral gap between the front closeout paneland the lumbar region. An upper wall of the lumbar region includes asinusoidal configuration.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicleseating assembly includes a back panel having a front closeout panel. Acarrier supports a seatback and includes a thoracic region having alower wall having a sinusoidal configuration. A lumbar region includesan upper wall having a sinusoidal configuration and a lower wall withretention slots configured to receive a cushion attachment tetherremovably secured with an engagement post.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosurewill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seatingassembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly of FIG.1, but with a majority of the vehicle seating assembly in phantom and aseatback carrier shown in solid;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the seatback carrier of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the seatback carrier of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective exploded view of the vehicle seatbackassembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top rear perspective view of the seatback carrier of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the seatback carrier of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the seatback carrier of FIG. 5,before installation of side cushion supports;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the seatback carrier and cushionsupports of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged top perspective view of a seatback carrier of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the seatback carrier of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a top cross-sectional view taken at line XII-XII of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a top elevational cross-sectional view taken through lineXIII-XIII of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a top elevational cross-sectional view of line XIV-XIV ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of area XV of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of area XVI of FIG. 9;

FIG. 17 is a top elevational cross-sectional view of the connectingmembers after engagement;

FIG. 18 is a top elevational cross-sectional view of the connectingmembers of FIG. 17, after disengagement;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of area XIX of FIG. 10;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the seatback carrier of FIG. 6taken of area X-X;

FIG. 21 is a partial front elevational view of the seatback carrier ofFIG. 9 taken at area XXI-XXI;

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the carrier portion shown in FIG.21;

FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of a seatback carrier withintegrated trim attachment features and tension features;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged front perspective view of a securing feature ofthe cushion assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged front elevational view of a straight edgetie-down of the cushion assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged front elevational view of an elongateinwardly-extending tab disposed on a periphery of the upper thoracicregion and the lower lumbar region of the cushion assembly of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged front elevational view of inner trim retainerswith first and second forwardly-extending barbed hooks; and

FIG. 28 is an enlarged front perspective view of inner trim retainerswith first and second forwardly-extending barbed hooks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However,it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume variousalternative orientations, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top andbottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity oraction from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order between such entities oractions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, withoutmore constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to the embodiment generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-22,reference numeral 10 generally designates a vehicle seating assemblyincluding a seatback 12 having a back panel 14 with a front closeoutpanel 16. A carrier 18 is supported inside the seatback 12 and includesan upper thoracic region 20 having a peripheral support 22. A peripheralgap 24 is defined between the front closeout panel 16 and the upperthoracic region 20. A bottom portion 26 of the upper thoracic region 20includes a lower wall 28 having a sinusoidal configuration. The vehicleseating assembly 10 also includes a lower lumber region 32 having aperipheral support 34. A peripheral gap 36 is defined between the frontcloseout panel 16 and the lower lumber region 32. An upper portion 38 ofthe lower lumbar region 32 includes an upper wall 40 having a sinusoidalconfiguration. A plurality of concave connectors 42 couple the lowerwall 28 of the upper thoracic region 20 with the upper wall 40 of thelower lumber region 32.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle seating assembly 10 isgenerally configured for use inside a vehicle 50 and includes a seat 52defining a seating surface 51 in addition to the seatback 12 defining aseatback surface 53. Both the seat 52 and the seatback 12 include acushion assembly 54, 55, respectively, disposed thereon. It is generallycontemplated that the vehicle 50 may include an automobile, such as acar, a truck, or a van, and that the vehicle seating assembly 10 will beadjustable within the vehicle 50. The cushion assembly 54 is coupledwith a seat frame 56, while the cushion assembly 55 is supported on aseatback frame 57. The vehicle seating assembly 10 is positioned on aslide assembly 60, including a rail 62 and a slide 64. The rail 62 isgenerally fastened to a floor 66 of the vehicle 50 and the slide 64 isfastened to the vehicle seating assembly 10. The rail 62 and the slide64 are slidably adjustable relative to one another, such that thevehicle seating assembly 10 is adjustable fore and aft within thevehicle 50. The vehicle seating assembly 10 also includes a variety ofother adjustability functions, including adjustability of the seatback12, which may include upper thoracic and lumbar support, as well asreclining functions. The seat 52 is also adjustable and includes thighand leg adjustability.

With reference to FIGS. 2-6, in the illustrated embodiment, the carrier18 for the seatback 12 is configured to support the weight of apassenger applying pressure to the cushion assembly 55 disposed on theseatback 12. Accordingly, the carrier 18 generally creates an interfacebetween the cushion assembly 55 and the structural components of theseatback 12. The carrier 18 includes a variety of connection points forcoupling with the cushion assembly 55, a coverstock 74, and directly tothe seatback frame 57. The carrier 18 is generally defined by the upperthoracic region 20 and the lower lumbar region 32. The concaveconnectors 42 couple the lower wall 28 of the upper thoracic region 20with the upper wall 40 of the lower lumbar region 32. The upper thoracicregion 20 generally defines an interior cavity 80 within which a fansupport 82 is positioned. Similarly, the lower lumbar region 32 alsodefines a central space 84 that may include climate comfort features,lumbar support features, etc.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4 and 6-9, the carrier 18 includes an upperscalloped portion 90 configured to accommodate a head restraint 92disposed on a top portion 94 of the seatback 12. In addition, thecarrier 18 includes a plurality of coverstock detents 96 disposed abouta peripheral edge 98 of the carrier 18. The coverstock detents 96 areconfigured to receive fasteners disposed about a periphery 100 of thecoverstock 74. The fasteners are designed to engage directly with theperipheral edge 98 of the carrier 18, thereby supporting the coverstock74 and the cushion assembly 55 on the carrier 18. In addition, the upperthoracic region 20 of the carrier 18 includes snap-fit connectionapertures 110 designed to receive snap-fit connectors disposed on aforward side of an articulating upper thoracic support of the seatback12. A plurality of coverstock securing members 120 are located adjacentto an intermediate space 122 defined in the upper thoracic region 20.The coverstock securing members 120 are spaced a predetermined distanceand designed to engage intermediate fasteners on a backside of thecoverstock 74. In addition, a variety of spacing apertures 124 aredisposed between each of the coverstock securing member 120.

With reference again to FIGS. 2-4 and 6-9, the fan support 82 areoperably coupled with the lower wall 28 of the upper thoracic region 20and also coupled with first and second angled supports 130, 132. Each ofthe first and second angled supports 130, 132 extends into theintermediate space 122 of the upper thoracic region 20 and each includesan undulating or sinusoidal configuration. This construction allows forflexibility and movement of the fan support 82 to accommodate thedifferent weights of users and also different postures and loads thatcan affect the seatback 12. As previously noted, the bottom portion 26of the upper thoracic region 20 includes the lower wall 28, which has anundulating or sinusoidal configuration. Notably, the undulating orsinusoidal configuration of the lower wall 28 of the upper thoracicregion 20 undulates in a plane generally parallel with the seatingsurface 51 of the seat 52. Accordingly, the undulations extend forwardand rearward relative to the seatback surface 53. The upper portion 38of the lower lumbar region 32, and more specifically, the upper wall 40of the lower lumbar region 32 includes a sinusoidal configuration aswell. The sinusoidal configuration of the upper wall 40 of the lowerlumbar region 32 also undulates forward and rearward relative to theseatback 12. It will be understood that the carrier 18 is generallycurved to complement the shape of the back of an occupant. Morespecifically, the upper thoracic region 20 is shaped to generally cradleand support the upper back of an occupant, while the lower lumbar region32 is designed to cradle and support the lower back of an occupant.

With reference now to FIG. 5, in the illustrated embodiment, theseatback 12 of the vehicle seating assembly 10 includes the followingseat cushion components. The seat frame 56 is connected with the seat 52and provides general structural support to the occupant. The back panel14 is connected with a rear portion of the seatback frame 57. The headrestraint 92 is disposed above the seatback frame 57 and is operablycoupled therewith. The head restraint 92 may include a variety offunctions, including forward and rearward motion, as well as upward anddownward motion, to better support the head of an occupant. In addition,the vehicle seating assembly 10 includes an upper thoracic support 116that is adjustable between forward and rearward positions. The upperthoracic support 116 is located in front of the front closeout panel 16and includes connection features 112. The front closeout panel 16includes an upper portion 156 and a lower portion 158. The upper portion156 of the front closeout panel 16 wraps around a front portion of theseatback frame 57 and couples with the hard back panel 14. The lowerportion 158 of the front closeout panel 16 engages with a lower portionof the seatback frame 57 and engages a lower portion of the hard backpanel 14. The peripheral gap 24 is defined between the upper portion 156of the thoracic support 116 and the front closeout panel 16. Theperipheral gap 24 is also located between the lower lumbar region 32 andthe lower portion 158 of the front closeout panel 16. First and secondside support members 164, 166 are configured to be fastened with sidesof the carrier 18. The entire carrier 18, as well as first and secondside support members 164, 166, are designed to engage the upper portion156 and the lower power 158 of the front closeout panel 16. At the sametime, the carrier 18 supports the cushion assembly 55 and the coverstock74. The cushion assembly 55 may be operably coupled with the coverstock74 via a glue or adhesive, or via fasteners configured to engage thefront of the cushion assembly 55, as previously disclosed.

With reference now to FIGS. 6-10, 15 and 16, the carrier 18 includesopenings 170 on each side of the lower lumbar region 32. The openings170 are designed to receive engagement features 172 on each of the firstand second side support members 164, 166. In addition, a lowerprotuberance 174, which extends in a forward direction, is configured toengage an aperture 176 having peripheral slots 178 that deflect to allowthe lower protuberance 174 to be received within the aperture 176. Theaperture 176 is configured to receive the protuberance 174 and securethe same such that the first and second side support members 164, 166can be retained on the carrier 18. In addition, a second lowerprotuberance 180 is disposed below the protuberance 174, and isconfigured to engage a lower aperture 182 on the carrier 18. The loweraperture 182 also includes peripheral slots 184 that deflect to allowthe lower aperture 182 to receive the second lower protuberance 180.Each of the protuberances 174, 180 maintain the first and second sidesupport members 164, 166 in secure abutment with the carrier 18. Inaddition, an upwardly turned hook 190 is disposed on an upper portion ofeach of the first and second side support members 164, 166. The upperhook securely engages an engagement wall 192 on a forward side of thecarrier 18. It will be understood that the first and second side supportmembers 164, 166 are mirror images of one another.

With reference now to FIGS. 12-14, various undulating or sinusoidalconfigurations of portions of the carrier 18 are illustrated. FIG. 12illustrates an undulating or configuration that extends along the firstand second angled supports 130, 132. The undulating configuration thatextends along the first and second angled supports 130, 132 allowsflexibility of the fan support 82 such that the fan support 82, or a fandisposed therein, does not provide for an uncomfortable projection intothe back of a passenger. In addition, the first and second angledsupports 130, 132, and the sinusoidal configuration of the first andsecond angled supports 130, 132, allow for flexible movement of the fansupport 82 relative to the already flexible carrier 18. FIG. 13illustrates the sinusoidal configuration across the lower wall 28 of theupper thoracic region 20. The sinusoidal configuration allows forflexible movement of the upper thoracic region 20 relative to the lowerlumbar region 32. The lower wall 28 of the upper thoracic region 20 isoperably coupled with the upper wall 40 of the lower lumbar region 32via the concave connectors 42. Accordingly, flexibility in both lateraland vertical directions is provided. For even additional flexibility,the sinusoidal configuration is provided in the upper wall 40 of thelower lumbar region 32, as shown in FIG. 14. It will also be noted thata periphery of the upper thoracic region 20 and lower lumbar region 32includes a rearwardly opening slot 210 configured to receive trim stockfasteners that secure a trim stock to a rear portion of the carrier 18.

With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the illustrated embodiment shows theconfiguration of the protuberances 174, 180 relative to the apertures176, 182, respectively. As illustrated, an inner wall 194 that definesthe apertures 176, 182 is canted or angled on a side of the apertures176, 182 to provide an easier snap fit connection with the protuberances174, 180. This construction has the added benefit of maintaining a moresecure connection between the protuberances 174, 180 and the apertures176, 182. The cant or angled wall portion is specifically sized andfitted to retain the protuberances 174, 180 during use.

With reference now to FIGS. 8-12, as well as FIGS. 19 and 20, a basewall in the form of a lower cross-member 200 of the carrier 18 includeslateral elongate slots 202. The elongate slots 202 are configured toreceive engagement features in the form of retention tethers 204 thatinclude a securing member 206 and a flexible band 208 connected to thesecuring member 206. The flexible band 208 may be secured with thecushion assembly 55 or the coverstock 74 and may be elastic in nature,allowing for expansion and contraction. The retention tethers 204provide a releasable yet reliable engagement of the cushion assembly 55with the carrier 18 (FIGS. 19 and 20).

With reference now to FIGS. 21 and 22, upper corners 230 of the carrier18, and more specifically of the upper thoracic region 20 of the carrier18, include a generally planar portion with a fastener receivingaperture 234. The fastener receiving aperture 234 includes slotsconfigured to accommodate a mechanical fastener engaging the fastenerreceiving aperture 234. The fastener receiving aperture 234 includes agenerally semicircular construction with slots 236 extending therefrom.In the illustrated embodiment, the slots 236 extend approximately 120degrees from one another. However, it will be understood that the slots236 may extend at any angle relative to one another, and may be morethan or less than three slots 236 that extend from the fastenerreceiving aperture 234.

With reference now to FIGS. 23-25, the illustrated carrier 18 includes aplurality of integrated trim attachment features and tension featuresfor use with the cushion assembly 55 that is supported on the carrier18. These features aid in comfort and aid in assembly duringmanufacture. The carrier 18, and specifically the upper thoracic region20 of the carrier 18, includes a plurality of peripheral trim retainers304 that are adjacent the peripheral support 34 and which retain a trimcover. The plurality of peripheral trim retainers 304 include anelongate inwardly-extending tab 306. The inwardly-extending tab 306 isconfigured to engage a slot or other attachment feature of the trimcover. Notably, the plurality of peripheral trim retainers 304 aredisposed both on the upper thoracic region 20 as well as the lowerlumbar region 32. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 23 and 24, theperipheral trim retainer 304 is disposed on each side of the lowerlumbar region 32 spaced slightly from the peripheral edge 98. Twoperipheral trim retainers 304 are disposed on each side of the upperthoracic region 20 directly adjacent the peripheral edge 98. As shown inFIG. 26, the elongate inwardly-extending tab 306 is disposed on aperiphery of the upper thoracic region 20 and the lower lumbar region32, and includes a tapered or rounded forward edge 308 to ease incoupling the trim cover with the peripheral trim retainer 304.Additionally, it should be noted that, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 25, theperipheral trim retainers 304 on the upper thoracic region 20 extenddirectly from the peripheral edge 98 inwardly.

Referring again to FIG. 23 and also referring to FIG. 25, the lowerlumbar region 32 also includes at least one straight edge tie-down 320that is adjacent the opening 170 defined by the lower lumbar region 32.The straight edge tie-downs 320 interact directly with the cushionassembly 55, the coverstock 74, or a combination thereof, or anotherfeature coupled with the coverstock 74 or the cushion assembly 55 tosecure the same to the carrier 18. At the same time, the opening 170defined by the lower lumbar region 32 is maintained open so that air canbe moved into and out of the carrier 18. The straight edge tie-down 320also includes an aperture 322 at a lower end 324 thereof configured toreceive a tie, string, clip, etc. to maintain the cushion assembly 55 inabutting contact with the carrier 18.

Referring now to FIGS. 23, 27, and 28, inner trim retainers 330 eachinclude first and second forwardly-extending barbed hooks 332, 334. Asillustrated in FIG. 27, the first and second forwardly-extending barbedhooks 332, 334 extend forward and face toward one another. The first andsecond forwardly-extending barbed hooks 332, 334 are configured toreceive a complementary engagement member extending rearwardly from aback side of the cushion assembly 55. The engagement member may includedetents or other retaining features to be received and retained by thefirst and second forwardly-extending barbed hooks 332, 334. Asillustrated, the first and second forwardly-extending barbed hooks 332,334 together generally define the coverstock securing members 120.Notably, the coverstock securing member 120 is disposed between theinner apertures 124 that extend about an upper central space 84 of theupper thoracic region 20. The inner apertures 124 provide additionalbreathability to the carrier 18 as a whole and also decrease the weightof the carrier 18. This, plus the elimination of mechanical fasteners,results in the entirety of the vehicle seating assembly 10 weighingless.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described disclosure and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims unless these claims by their language expressly stateotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: aseatback; a back panel; and a carrier supporting the seatback andincluding: an upper thoracic region defining an upper central openingand including a peripheral support, the upper thoracic region furtherincluding peripheral trim retainers adjacent the peripheral support andwhich retain a trim cover; a lower lumber region including a peripheralsupport, wherein a peripheral gap is defined between a front closeoutpanel and the lower lumber region, wherein the lower lumbar regiondefines a lower central opening having at least one straight edgetie-down adjacent the opening; and a plurality of inner trim retainersproximate the upper central opening.
 2. The vehicle seating assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the peripheral trim retainers include an elongateinwardly-extending tab.
 3. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1,wherein the inner trim retainers include forwardly-extending barbedhooks.
 4. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 3, wherein each innertrim retainer includes first and second forwardly-extending barbed hooksfacing toward one another.
 5. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1,further comprising: a base wall defined by the lower lumbar region, thebase wall including a slot that receives a retention tether of a seatcushion component.
 6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 5, furthercomprising: a rearwardly-extending tab hook that extends from the basewall and which is engaged with an aperture defined in the retentiontether.
 7. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, further comprising:a plurality of slots defined by a U-shaped fold at a periphery of theupper thoracic region, the plurality of slots configured to retain atrim piece connector; and a retention nub proximate each slot anddisposed inside the U-shaped fold.
 8. A vehicle seating assemblycomprising: a carrier supporting a seatback and including: a thoracicregion defining an upper central opening and including peripheral trimretainers that extend inwardly and inner trim retainers having barbedhooks; and a lumbar region including an upper wall with an undulatingconfiguration and first and second opposing straight edge tie-downs. 9.The vehicle seating assembly of claim 8, wherein the undulatingconfiguration of a lower wall of the upper thoracic region is generallyaligned with an undulating configuration of the upper wall of the lumbarregion.
 10. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 8, further comprising:a peripheral trim retainer proximate a peripheral edge of the lumbarregion.
 11. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 8, wherein theperipheral trim retainers include an elongate inwardly-extending tab.12. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 8, wherein the inner trimretainers include forwardly-extending barbed hooks.
 13. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 12, wherein each inner trim retainer includesfirst and second barbed hooks facing toward one another.
 14. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a base wall defined bythe lumbar region, the base wall including a slot that receives aretention tether of a seat cushion component.
 15. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 14, further comprising: a rearwardly-extending tabhook that extends from the base wall and which is engaged with anaperture defined in the retention tether.
 16. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 8, further comprising: a plurality of slots defined bya U-shaped fold at a periphery of the thoracic region, the plurality ofslots configured to retain a trim piece connector; and a retention nubproximate each slot and disposed inside the U-shaped fold.
 17. A vehicleseating assembly comprising: a seatback; and a carrier disposed in theseatback and including: a thoracic region including peripheral trimretainers having an elongate inwardly-extending tab and inner trimretainers having forwardly-extending hooks; and a lumbar region defininga lower central opening having at least one straight edge tie-downadjacent the lower central opening.
 18. The vehicle seating assembly ofclaim 17, wherein each inner trim retainer includes first and secondbarbed hooks facing toward one another.
 19. The vehicle seating assemblyof claim 17, further comprising: a base wall defined by the lumbarregion, the base wall including a slot that receives a retention tetherof a seat cushion component.
 20. The vehicle seating assembly of claim17, further comprising: a peripheral trim retainer proximate aperipheral edge of the lumbar region.